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Former Hope Athlete Feared Among WTC Dead

The following statement was read prior to a moment of silence at the September 13, 2001 football game in memory of Hope College alumnus and former football player David L. Pruim.

Before we sing the National Anthem, we'd like to ask you to pause for a moment of remembrance and tribute, honoring the life of David L. Pruim.

Dave Pruim was a member of the Hope class of 1970, and a 3-year letterman in football. He started at guard for the Flying Dutchmen even though he had never played football in high school. He was a proud member of the Emersonian Fraternity in which he served as President.

On September 11, a terrible day in our history, Dave was working on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center's south tower. He is among the missing. To the best of our knowledge, he is the only Hope alum lost in the attack.

Dave is survived by his wife Kate, who attended Hope for 2 years, and their 10-year-old daughter, Carrington. Dave and his family lived in Upper Montclair, New Jersey....and he served as senior vice-president of AON Insurance Company.

As a memorial tribute to Dave, his jersey number..72..will not be worn today but will instead be displayed on the sideline.